DRUGS OF ADDICTIONKen Roy, MDAddiction Recovery Resources of New OrleansTulane Department of PsychiatryRiver Oaks Hospital504-780-2766www.arrno.org

Why are Drugs Addicting?Cause pleasureIn our pleasure and reward system

The Unfortunate TruthAfter tonight you will know more than your doctor knows about drugs of addictionThis is your disease, and your responsibility to get and stay wellEveryone will need medical care in recoveryYou cannot trust that your doctor knows what to do to keep you in recovery

Why This is an Easy StudyWe have very few natural neuro-transmitters that make us feel goodAll of the plant derived and synthetically compounded chemical that fit on the same receptor as a natural chemical form a CLASS of addicting drugs

How Easy It IsOnly three major ClassesSedative HypnoticsStimulantsOpiatesAnd a wastebasket ClassHallucinogens

ClassesAll drugs in a Class are:Cross addictingCross tolerantCross relapsingDrugs in a Class result in similar:IntoxicationDetoxificationOverdose

Sedative Hypnotics GABA AlcoholBenzodiazepinesValium, Ativan, Xanax, Rohypnol, RestorilBarbituratesGood old Barbs + Fiorinal, Esgic, etc.Other sleepersQuaalude, Doriden, Placidyl, AmbienMiscellaneousGHB, Soma

Stimulants NoradrenalinCocaine + Crack CocaineAmphetaminesGood old speed + Crystal = Crank + IceMDA, MDMA, AdderallRitalin, CylertDecongestantsOTC Diet Pills

Opiates EndorphinsInjectableMorphine, Heroin, Demerol, Dilaudid, Stadol, Nubain, BuprenorphineOral medications#2-4, Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Percodan, OxyContin, Ultram, DarvonMethadone

HallucinogensVariousLSD, Psilocybin, MescalineIndirectly affect Dopamine through SerotoninMarijuanaHas its own neurotransmitterPCP, KetamineGeneral anesthetics in high doses

Drugs of AbuseMedicationsBenadryl, Elavil, Seroquel, PrednisoneInhalantsGlue, paint, whiteout, toluene, gasoline, N2OCaffeine

Cross Addiction Between ClassesOccasionally occurs, based on availability or change in preferenceMost often use results in relapse to original drug of choiceConnects through the Locus CeruleusA small area in the brain that produces all of the brain adrenalin, or Norepinephrine

Take Home MessagesUse of any addicting drug during or before recovery produces addict thinkingMost addicting drugs are prescribed medicationsThere is a chance of switching addictions to another classThere is a greater danger of relapse to the original drug of choice.

If You Have to UseHave a plan to become abstinent againHave a safety netSomeone who will pull you back, no matter whatBuild your spiritual Bank AccountBy frequent meeting attendance for the foreseeable future